Unless you work in the Toledo market you may have never crossed paths with photojournalist Joe Cromer. While you’re sleeping this guy has been working the graveyard shift at WTOL-TV in Toledo for 25 years.
It’s not the kind of shift that one would expect a lot of plum assignments that lead to award winning stories. In Cromer’s case that’s exactly what is happening. Cromer won the 2025 ONPA TV Photographer of the Year Award after placing third in the contest for three consecutive years.
The night shift is the only thing he has ever known, but It doesn’t deter him from turning out quality work. “Even after twenty-five years, I still manage to come in and make my best attempt at telling a good story that people will remember,” Cromer said. “I don't like to be the center of attention so, being photojournalist allows me to focus on other people so I can tell their story. If I'm lucky, some of the stories may bring a smile, a chuckle or even a tear, but that's how you can tell that you've done something right.”
Away from the office you’re likely to find a guitar or a paintbrush in Joe Cromer’s hands.
According to Cromer, “A lot of people can't wrap their minds around me actually enjoy working the graveyard shift, but I do enjoy the whole mystery that comes in the overnight hours.” A typical shift has Cromer monitoring several different scanner sites while beginning the tasks of editing the morning shows. With five hours of morning news there is plenty to do and breaking news pulls him away from editing duties from time to time as well as morning live shots.
As to his own stories Cromer says, “I’m proud to be a news photographer and just to be recognized for my work is very exciting and truly an honor itself. I really consider myself a storyteller first over a photographer. There are so many amazing and gifted photographers working in the news, so I felt like needed to be a better storyteller in order for my stories to stand out. I try to focus on stories that will have an impact on people. I try to have a solid attack on my stories with a beginning, middle and an end, just like you would see in a movie or short film. I love finding those unique stories that are hidden gems waiting to be discovered and bring them to light.”
Away from the camera Cromer has many hobbies, but you’re most likely to find him with a guitar or paint brush in his hand. He’s been playing guitar and writing music for most of his life then took up oil painting some years back after watching Bob Ross.
He credits his success to his work ethic, “I never been late to work at CH-11. I usually show up early, because while growing up I was always told, "if you show up on time for work then you're late". Every single person has their own story waiting to be told and if the timing is right and everything all lines up correctly...then you end up with a great story to share.”
A painting of Joe Cromer’s nephew Johnny Clarke and his girlfriend Lisa Straub who were murdered in 2011.
Cromer said, “ I tend to do stories that can be therapeutic to me. While working in news I have had to deal with seeing traumatic things and have been put in stressful situations. While covering breaking news throughout the years I have had my shares of threats, went home soaking wet from a rainstorm or even smelling like a house fire, but nothing compares to the night that changed everything.”
Cromer shares his story - The worst night of my career also happened to be the worst night of my life. January 31, 2011, the city was bracing for a major snow fall, so there was nothing going on in the city because no one was out on the roads. The police scanners were pretty much silent for most of the night until they weren't. I would eventually hear a call of a young couple being discovered dead, bound with bags over their heads. It would only take a few minutes before my phone rang, and I got the word that my nephew and his girlfriend were brutally murdered.
I left work and went to the scene and then to the Sheriff's office to meet up with my family. My nephew, Johnny, was like a son to me. Life changed for my family in every way possible at that very moment. I have spent the last 15 years trying to help find the missing link that could help solve this case and put everyone responsible behind bars. Two people were eventually arrested for the murders. One was acquitted and one is doing double life.
However, there was DNA from three unknown people which was recovered from both victims which still have not been located. I have said from day one that nothing about this case is as it appears. This case has been through the hands of three different Sheriffs and several different detectives only grow cold.
I truly believe in my heart and soul that if this case had someone who really cared about the case and relooked at everything and everyone from the very beginning (including family) then this case would be solved and there could finally be some justice.
I mention this because of my work ethic and how I take my work home with me. It is crystal clear to me on what happened that night, but it's not what you know, it's what you can prove. This tragic event has helped me to empathized with other families who might be going through something similar. I never force an interview on anyone and never shove a microphone in anyone's face because the human aspect is more important the any story.
If I could give out some advice to a new photojournalist then it would be to always look outside of the box for the unique story that might not be so obvious. Sometimes you might have to do the story on your own time to make it happen. If that's the case, then go ahead do it and make it shine and unforgettable. The day that you think that you know everything is the day that you stop learning. I am still learning. Treat everyone as you want to be treated. I have been fortunate enough to win other awards, but this is my first time winning first place in ONPA. Congratulations the other photographers who also won this year.